Crying-Your-Eyes-Out Song Rankings [2026]

I want to see you.sawada chikako1rank/position

Aitai

This song, themed around a heartrending farewell, is a memorable number featuring Chikaco Sawada’s soul-stirring vocals.

Released as a single from the 1990 album “I MISS YOU,” it was chosen as the ending theme for the TV Asahi network’s wide show “Tonight,” generating significant buzz.

It became a million-seller and won the Grand Prix at the 24th All Japan Cable Broadcasting Awards, and is widely known as one of Chikaco Sawada’s signature songs.

It is a moving piece that offers solace to those experiencing the pain of heartbreak or the sorrow of losing someone dear.

First LoveUtada Hikaru2rank/position

Hikaru Utada – First Love

A melody that gently embraces a bittersweet farewell and unforgettable memories.

The lingering sweetness of young love woven by a 16-year-old Hikaru Utada seeps into the listener’s heart.

While accepting a past romance as a cherished memory, it also conveys a forward-looking strength to take a new step.

Included on the album “First Love,” released in March 1999, it was chosen as the theme song for the drama “Majo no Joken,” which began airing in April of the same year.

Set against a warm arrangement of piano and strings, even the breaths in the vocal performance resonate as part of the story.

This gem of a song offers solace when parting with someone dear or when you wish to bring closure to a past relationship.

I long to see you now.MISIA3rank/position

MISIA – Aitakute Ima (Official HD Music Video)

MISIA’s 23rd single paints a timeless portrait of love.

Released in November 2009 as the theme song for TBS’s Sunday drama “JIN,” this work stands out for its perspective of viewing history as the “present.” Through the experiences of people who lived during wartime, it seems to convey a sense of the “now” in which they struggled to live with all their might.

MISIA’s overwhelming vocal prowess, leveraging her five-octave range, together with the orchestral arrangement, weaves a grand sonic world that powerfully stirs the listener’s heart.

It’s a song that evokes the connection between past, present, and future—one to play when your feelings overflow for someone dear.

The Last RainYasushi Nakanishi4rank/position

The Last Rain

A gem of a ballad that gracefully portrays rainy scenery and the ache of parting.

Yasushi Nakanishi’s transparent vocals exquisitely capture lingering feelings for a lover and a passion verging on madness.

The dramatic piano melody and strings weave an achingly poignant world.

Released in August 1992, the song peaked at No.

16 on the Oricon chart.

It drew attention as the theme song for Nippon TV’s “Hitachi Ashita P-KAN Kibun!” and had sold a cumulative total of about 900,000 copies by 1998.

Featured on the album “Yasushi Nakanishi,” among many other releases, it has inspired numerous covers by prominent artists, including Kumi Koda.

A sophisticated track best enjoyed while quietly sipping a drink in a lounge.

On nights when you want to soothe the pain of a broken heart, its soulful voice will gently stay by your side.

Midnight ExpresswayFurawā Kanpanīzu5rank/position

Flower Companyz “Midnight Highway (25th Anniversary Mix)”

This song also drew attention in 2021 with Okazaki Taiiku’s cover used in a commercial.

Originally a classic by Flower Companyz, it was released as a single in 2004.

The hard-hitting chorus lines are striking, and its straightforward lyrics are widely appreciated.

It carries a passionate warmth that acknowledges anxieties about tomorrow and the future while affirming the feelings everyone keeps in their hearts.

The pursuit of youthful brilliance never ends.

The band’s ensemble and Keisuke Suzuki’s impassioned vocals are deeply moving, offering support through difficult times.

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balladKetsumeishi6rank/position

Ketsumeishi “Ballad”

A love ballad from Ketsumeishi that differs from their usual cheerful image.

It’s a tear-jerker that gently yet poignantly sings of unrequited feelings for someone special, set to a tender, heartrending melody.

With piano and strings that resonate deep in the heart, this work was also a bold experiment that surprised longtime fans.

The song was released in January 2011 as one of a double A-side single and was included on the acclaimed album “Ketsuno-Polis 7.” It was also used as the theme song for the Nippon TV information program “Sukkiri!!.”

NonfictionHirai Ken7rank/position

Ken Hirai “Nonfiction” MUSIC VIDEO (Short Ver.)

Life can feel overwhelming, full of absurdities and helpless moments.

In times like these, I hope you’ll listen to Ken Hirai’s 42nd single.

Written as the theme song for the drama “Little Giant,” it was released in June 2017.

Born from Hirai’s profound grief over losing a friend, the song delivers fundamental questions about life and a heartfelt cry to see a loved one again, piercing the heart with a voice that cuts deep.

You may find it impossible to listen without tears…